British politician, Labour MP for Sheffield Heeley since 2015
Labour's leadership race has shifted as Andy Burnham is poised to become Labour's next leader and prime minister, with nominations opening and few credible rivals. Ridley is stepping down, and MPs are debating whether to hold a summer contest or coronation, while Burnham's policy platform and cabinet choices remain under discussion.
Scotland plans to hike council tax on high-value homes and introduce new bands, aiming to raise funding for local authorities. The move follows other property tax reforms debated across the UK, with potential regional differences in impact.
Deputy Labour leader Lucy Powell has criticised Downing Street culture, describing a pattern of anonymous negative briefings against women and a factional, “boys club” atmosphere. She says Burnham’s leadership should bring a meritocratic, 50/50 approach to ministers and staff as he prepares to take office.
Nominations for Labour leadership are open and Andy Burnham is on track to become Britain’s next prime minister. He plans to devolve power, expand public control of services, and establish a Manchester-based No 10 North to oversee a major power shift. Cabinet choices and economic strategy are under intense discussion as the transition nears.
The Labour leadership race has clarified its path to No. 10 as nominations open, with Andy Burnham poised to become prime minister after the contest largely crowds in behind him. Veteran figures describe a clear 100-day plan and civil-service transition talks are underway as leadership transitions gain pace.
Labour MPs have criticised the UK government's shift towards renewable energy, calling for increased North Sea oil and gas exploration. Meanwhile, US President Trump has urged Britain to open North Sea oil fields, arguing it will boost energy security amid tensions in the Middle East. The debate highlights tensions between energy independence and climate commitments.
Labour has won Makerfield by-election with a large margin, intensifying pressure on Prime Minister Keir Starmer to quit and paving the way for Andy Burnham to pursue leadership. Ministers are weighing resignations and Burnham is moving to establish a Downing Street operation while Starmer vows to fight on.
Andy Burnham has secured a decisive Makerfield by-election victory, prompting renewed talk of a leadership transition. Labour figures warn against a prolonged leadership contest, as Burnham appears set to assume power in July if no challenger surfaces.
Andy Burnham has emerged as the clear frontrunner to replace Keir Starmer and is using a Manchester speech to press a major devolution agenda. He has proposed shifting decision‑making and parts of the prime ministerial operation north, a 10‑year mission on living standards and changes to public procurement to favour British jobs.
The leadership race has intensified as Andy Burnham is seen as the frontrunner to become prime minister, with markets seeking stability. Economists warn that the next chancellor will shape bond markets and fiscal policy, while Burnham pledges to follow fiscal rules and reduce bills. The City remains anxious about potential changes in taxation and public spending.
Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer is facing mounting pressure to resign, with several ministers and allies urging a clear timetable. Andy Burnham has secured a Makerfield by-election win, prompting talks of leadership transition and a potential September handover. Developments emerge as the PM weighs staying vs. stepping down amid calls for a coronation of Burnham.
Andy Burnham is moving toward Westminster with plans to devolve power and shift growth to every postcode. Labour factions debate welfare, devolution and the economy as unions shape the policy landscape ahead of a potential premiership.
Labour’s leadership bid faces intensified scrutiny as Andy Burnham is pressed to appoint more women to senior roles; a draft WPLP letter calls for gender equality measures, including a female deputy PM and a 50/50 ministerial split.
Andy Burnham has reiterated that there is room for movement on tax within Labour’s 2024 manifesto while outlining possible changes to business rates to support high streets and pubs. He has not promised revenue-raising measures on income tax, VAT or National Insurance but is considering reforms to business rates and targeted reliefs as part of his broader policy package.